For the fourth year Huguenot Lodge No. 377 F & AM located in Kutztown hosted a first responders event. The event this year was held at the Fleetwood Park on May 20.

In addition to the new location, the local area churches assisted in sponsorship and coordination. The Fleetwood, Blandon and Walnuttown fire companies were in attendance with eight pieces of equipment and an appearance by Lehigh Valley Health Network Med-Evac in their new helicopter.

The fire trucks started arriving at 10 a.m. At 11 a.m. the local churches held a church service in the band shell. At noon Med-Evac landed, then at 1 p.m. the lodge officers Jeffrey A. Roe, John L. Scott and William K. Clyde recognized the first responders in attendance and thanked them for their service to our communities. A commemorative pin was given to each first responder. Also a picnic lunch was provided to each first responder and their families.

“I hope that this event will continue to grow. Free masons recognize how important the service our first responders provide to our community and are eternally grateful for that service,” said Jeffery A Roe, worshipful master of Huguenot Lodge in Kutztown.

About 50 first responders joined community members at the Huguenot Lodge No. 377, Free and Accepted Masons, for a ceremony to honor them Saturday near Kutztown.

The event was part of a statewide effort to honor first responders in May, said John L. Scott, who helped organize the ceremony at the lodge in Richmond Township.

First responders from Fleetwood, Kutztown, Topton, Oley, Bowers, Walnuttown, Mertztown, Lyons, Blandon, Kempton, Virginville and Lenhartsville were invited to bring their families and tour the lodge as well as see an array of emergency vehicles before the ceremony.

People were able to explore 11 firetrucks, three ambulances, two police cars and a MedEvac helicopter. About 150 people attended.

Each first responder received a special edition pin, and children got to take part in the Child Identification Program, which involves having their photos taken, their information recorded and their fingerprints lifted to aid in their identification in an emergency.

“We’re just honored to be able to support our local fire, EMS and police officers,” Scott said.